The three regulatory authorities have updated the National Qualifications Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland as part of a review of regulatory arrangements. (The three regulatory authorities are QCA, ACCAC and CCEA).
From 1 September 2004, the number of levels in the NQF has increased from six to eight helping to link the framework for higher education qualifications (FHEQ).
The NQF is designed to help with career progression and act as a guide to learners to make informed decisions about their training needs.
It aims to:
promote access, motivation and achievement in
education and training, strengthening ineternational competitiveness
promote lifelong learning by helping people to
understand clear progression routes
avoid duplication and overlap of qualifications while
making sure all learning needs are covered
promote public and professional confidence in the integrity and relevance of national awards.
The following table provides an indication of the new and previous NQF and FHEQ
National Qualifications Framework
Framework for Higher Education Qualification levels (FHEQ)
Original levels
Revised levels
5
Level 5 NVQ
Level 5 Diploma
8
Specialist awards
D (doctoral)
doctorates
7
Level 7 Diploma
M (masters)
masters degrees, postgraduatecertificates and diplomas
The use of levels in the NQF is to indicate the generally comparable outcome of an award but does not indicate that different awards share purpose, content and outcomes.
